Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "Throw The Myrrh In His Eyes! It Burns!"
Release Date: January 8, 2025
Hosted by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the January 8, 2025 episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty dive into a multitude of pressing issues, primarily focusing on the catastrophic wildfires engulfing Los Angeles County. The episode, aptly titled "Throw The Myrrh In His Eyes! It Burns!", not only highlights the immediate dangers posed by the fires but also explores the broader implications for homeowners, insurance companies, and the housing market. Interspersed with humor and candid conversations, the hosts also touch upon political controversies, climate change, and societal challenges.

Catastrophic Wildfires in Los Angeles

Immediate Impact and Chaos

The episode opens with Armstrong and Getty discussing the devastating wildfires raging in Los Angeles County. Joe Getty paints a vivid picture of the chaos:

Joe Getty [01:10]: "Man, if you haven't watched any of those videos, holy crap, I don't even know what you say about that. Hell descends upon you like that 100-hour winds, fire and traveling at like a mile every 30 seconds."

They detail the rapid spread of fires, the ensuing darkness due to power outages, and the frantic attempts of residents trying to flee, often finding themselves stuck in traffic or forced to abandon their vehicles:

Joe Getty [02:09]: "Electricity off, pitch dark, can't see anything. Why there's so much traffic, you don't know if you're gonna be able to get out or stuck in traffic. People fleeing their cars and running for the ocean. Insane."

Insurance Companies Dropping Coverage

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the alarming trend of insurance companies retracting fire coverage in fire-prone areas like Los Angeles. Armstrong emphasizes the predicament homeowners face:

Jack Armstrong [02:33]: "Several of the big insurers, or at least one that I'm certain of, have dropped fire coverage for that area. And people were scrambling to figure out what to do when the fires began."

This leaves homeowners in a precarious position, struggling to secure affordable insurance or facing potential financial ruin if disasters strike.

Broader Implications for the Housing Market

The hosts delve into the potential long-term effects on the housing market, highlighting the intertwined relationship between homeowners, insurance companies, and banks:

Jack Armstrong [03:12]: "A huge percentage of the personal property in the United States is mortgaged. And so you have banks... that have billions, trillions of dollars worth of mortgages out there. And if there's no insurance on those properties, well then the big banks would lose their arses and that's not, you know, acceptable for a number of reasons."

Joe Getty adds urgency to the conversation, stressing the societal importance of affordable homeownership:

Joe Getty [04:03]: "There has to be a thing. It can't be only for, you know, a tiny percentage of people that can afford homes and insurance."

The discussion underscores a looming financial crisis that could reshape the housing landscape for decades.

Health Concerns and the Pandemic’s Lingering Effects

The conversation shifts to personal stories about health challenges faced by the hosts and their families, reflecting broader societal health concerns exacerbated by recent events:

Katie [05:46]: "Yeah, I had so much chest pain that I was worried I was going to end up in an urgent care because I didn't know like if this was bird pneumonia or whatever."

The dialogue touches upon the heightened vulnerability to diseases, possibly hinting at the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging health issues.

Climate Change and Natural Disasters

Armstrong and Getty explore the escalating frequency and intensity of natural disasters, attributing part of the surge to climate change:

Katie [07:24]: "I have not ever had a flu like this. That wasn't Covid."

Jack Armstrong [07:53]: "Is Jack Henning at the Wog? The wrath of God."

While maintaining a mix of humor, the hosts acknowledge the severe implications of a changing climate on daily life and infrastructure.

Political Commentary: Trump's Greenland Announcement

A substantial segment of the episode is dedicated to discussing former President Donald Trump's controversial statements regarding Greenland's potential annexation:

Jack Armstrong [18:27]: "Trump made a handful of really intriguing statements... like the Gulf of Mexico is our golf now. Give it back."

Jack Armstrong [21:32]: "The Greenland thing to me is really intriguing... those new routes between Asia, Europe and America take a fraction of the time compared to the Panama or Suez Canals."

The hosts dissect the geopolitical significance of Greenland, exploring its strategic importance amidst climate-induced changes:

Jack Armstrong [22:09]: "Greenland and Alaskan... and our Scandinavian friends in Finland and Sweden means we could rival Russia for who controls these new routes."

They also reference historical attempts by the U.S. to purchase Greenland, highlighting the enduring complexities of such geopolitical maneuvers.

Social and Cultural Observations

The conversation takes a lighter turn as the hosts share personal anecdotes and societal observations, blending humor with critique:

Jack Armstrong [16:17]: "We’re going to have a little transition period to deprogram them off their current socialist government mindset."

Jack Armstrong [15:56]: "Rudeness. Not in my America."

These segments provide a glimpse into the hosts' perspectives on cultural norms and societal behaviors, often with a satirical edge.

Media and Fact-Checking Controversies

Armstrong and Getty address recent developments in media practices, particularly Facebook's shift away from professional fact-checkers:

Katie [32:54]: "From Reuters made a shelves fact checking in policy reversal ahead of Trump administration."

Jack Armstrong [33:02]: "I have a nuanced view of the issue, Jack, which I will be sharing with you."

The hosts express skepticism about the motivations behind these changes, hinting at political pressures and the influence of social media dynamics on public discourse.

Listener Engagement and Mailbag Segment

The hosts actively engage with their audience through the Mailbag segment, addressing listener comments and questions. They encourage listeners to submit their thoughts via email and social media, fostering a sense of community and interaction.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Armstrong and Getty reflect on the day's discussions, reiterating the gravity of the wildfires and the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and political factors shaping the current landscape. They emphasize the need for informed decision-making and proactive measures to navigate the challenges ahead.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Getty [01:10]: "Hell descends upon you like that 100-hour winds, fire and traveling at like a mile every 30 seconds."
• Jack Armstrong [02:33]: "If there's no insurance on those properties, well then the big banks would lose their arses and that's not, you know, acceptable for a number of reasons."
• Jack Armstrong [18:27]: "We'll change the maps. I don't care. I'll pay for it. It's our Gulf now. Give it back."
• Jack Armstrong [21:32]: "If we are going to be in charge of protecting it and projecting the power... we gotta get a better deal."

Key Takeaways

1. Wildfires in Los Angeles: Intensifying fires are causing widespread evacuations and chaos, exacerbated by insufficient insurance coverage for homeowners.
2. Insurance and Housing Market Crisis: The withdrawal of fire coverage by major insurers threatens the stability of the housing market and poses significant risks to financial institutions.
3. Geopolitical Dynamics: Discussions around Greenland’s strategic importance highlight the shifting geopolitical landscape influenced by climate change and emerging sea routes.
4. Media Integrity Concerns: The episode raises alarms about the reliability of fact-checking practices in major social media platforms amidst political influences.
5. Climate and Health: The intersection of climate change and public health issues underscores the multifaceted challenges facing society today.

Armstrong & Getty On Demand continues to provide insightful and engaging discussions on the events shaping our world, blending serious analysis with relatable humor. Whether addressing natural disasters, political maneuvers, or cultural shifts, the hosts ensure listeners are both informed and entertained.